A single misstep led Lù Văn Xuấn of Na Lao hamlet, Thanh An commune to face legal consequences. After 13 months of good rehabilitation, he returned home in early 2024. Once a man with a stable job and decent income, he found it difficult to find work upon release and had to rely on livestock raising and farm work with his wife. Still, his family remained supportive, encouraging him to stay hopeful about the future. Becoming a grandfather further strengthened his resolve to live responsibly and provide for his family.

Lò Thị Yên, his wife, shared: “He recognized his mistakes and felt sorry for his family, so after coming home he has been determined to make amends, work hard, and stay away from temptations.” With that determination, this past March, the couple took out a VND 100 million loan from the Vietnam Bank for Social Policies to buy buffalo for breeding. Today, the animals are healthy and thriving. With his efforts to reintegrate and rebuild his life, Xuấn has recently resumed his former job as a driver and signed a stable labor contract in the area.

When we visited, Xuấn was out on his driving route. Lò Thị Bình, Head of the local loan group in Na Lao, said: “Despite his past mistake, he has always been hardworking and reliable. In the beginning, before he could return to his old job, he struggled both emotionally and financially, so I introduced him to the loan program and helped him complete the paperwork. Now that he has found the job he wanted, with the husband working outside and the wife focusing on farming and livestock, they’re using the loan effectively. I’m truly happy for their family.”

Many people who return home after serving prison sentences face major challenges: no stable income, limited job opportunities, and economic hardship. Introducing employment opportunities and providing access to credit have become crucial solutions to help them reintegrate. After returning home, Lò Văn Ón of Nậm Hẹ 2 hamlet, Núa Ngam commune also decided, with his family, to take out a loan to rebuild their livelihood.

“My youthful recklessness led to a serious mistake, and I paid for it with six years of my life,” Ón said. “Now that I’m back with my family, I value everything I have even more. With the children growing up, I want a stable livelihood to secure their future. Since our area is suitable for raising large livestock with plenty of grazing land and low costs, I took a VND 100 million loan and bought four cows and a buffalo to graze in the hills”. Using part of the loan, he also renovated a 1,000 square meter pond and stocked it with fish. After nearly a year, his cows have produced two more calves; the fish are growing well, improving the family’s meals; and the buffalo provides essential labor for nearly 1 hectare of rice fields and 1.5 hectares of cassava.

“With my husband home and focused on work, our life is now warm and joyful,” said Quàng Thị Thơm, his wife. “We’ve already paid off part of the loan. It’s not a large amount, but it reflects a full year of effort from both of us.” The couple is now happily preparing to welcome their third child, making their home even fuller and brighter.

Perhaps the most meaningful reward for those who once strayed is the trust of their families and their communities. Without the companionship of loved ones, the support of neighbors, and assistance from authorities, their road back would be far more difficult and uncertain. Seeing their new beginnings, we understand that their achievements come not only from their own determination but also from the unwavering belief and support of the parents, spouses, and relatives who stood by them.